There’s something utterly magical about making pizza at home, and nothing captures that magic quite like an Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe. With its chewy, crispy crust, sweet-tart tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s a work of delicious simplicity that even beginners can master. Each bite is a celebration of classic Italian flavors, and this beloved pizza brings both impressive flavor and a beautiful presentation—making it the perfect dish for laid-back family dinners or showing off for friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe is in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one, from the dough to the basil, plays a starring role in the taste, texture, and iconic colors of the final masterpiece. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need and why each is crucial for true Margherita perfection.
- Pizza dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, a good dough forms the essential crisp yet chewy base everyone loves.
- Crushed San Marzano tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and vibrant acidity are key to the signature sauce flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds fruity richness and helps meld the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Salt: Even a small pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Dried oregano (optional): Just a sprinkling can give a subtle herbal lift if you love a bit of extra earthiness.
- Fresh mozzarella: Melts into creamy puddles, giving that irresistible stretch and authentic Italian taste.
- Fresh basil leaves: The crowning glory, these bring freshness and that distinctive Margherita aroma.
- All-purpose flour or cornmeal for dusting: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a perfectly crisp crust.
How to Make Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Stone
The foundation of any Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe is a hot oven, so set yours to at least 500°F, or as high as it will go. Slide a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet onto the middle rack as it heats. Preheating the stone ensures that beautifully crisped bottom every Margherita pizza deserves.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Lightly dust your countertop with flour (or cornmeal) and gently stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a rustic 10–12 inch round. Don’t worry about forming a perfect circle—those little irregularities add so much charm. Place your dough on a sheet of parchment for easy handling and zero-stress transfer to the oven.
Step 3: Make and Spread the Sauce
Combine the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and dried oregano (if you like) in a small bowl. Mix well, then spoon the sauce over the dough, using the back of the spoon to spread it evenly. Leave about a finger’s width border around the edge—you want that bubbly, golden crust to shine through.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella
Top the sauced dough with slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella, spreading them out so every bite gets that creamy goodness but also leaving little gaps for the sauce to bubble through. This arrangement is key for an Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe’s signature look and feel.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Slide the parchment with your pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet carefully. Bake for 7–10 minutes—or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbling and tinged with amber spots. If you’re lucky enough to have a pizza oven, you can crank up the heat and shorten the cook time for an even more authentic result!
Step 6: Finish with Basil and Serve
As soon as your pizza comes out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Their aroma will bloom in the heat of the pie. Let the pizza cool for a few blissful minutes, then slice and serve immediately for that unbeatable just-baked experience.
How to Serve Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic finish is nothing but fresh basil, feel free to drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil right before serving or add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to brighten all the flavors. If you’re feeling bold, a grating of Parmigiano Reggiano or a dash of chili flakes can personalize your Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe without overpowering its simple charm.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides fresh and simple so your pizza can stay the star. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, marinated olives, or a dish of roasted vegetables are all perfect Italian-inspired complements. For a cozy meal, pair slices with a bowl of classic minestrone or a chilled sparkling lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want your Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe to really dazzle, try serving it on a wooden board garnished with more fresh basil and colorful tomatoes. For parties, slice the pizza into bites and thread them onto skewers or serve alongside a trio of simple dipping oils. You can even cut the pizza into small squares for a rustic Italian appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza is a rare but happy occasion. Allow your Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe to cool completely, then wrap slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method preserves the moisture while keeping the crust from getting too tough.
Freezing
If you’d like to save extra slices for later, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then stack them in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen Margherita pizza will stay delicious for up to 2 months, making future pizza cravings a breeze to satisfy.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe again, the best way to bring back the crispness is to reheat slices in a 400°F oven or toaster oven for 5–8 minutes. This method revives that fresh-baked flavor and texture so much better than the microwave ever could.
FAQs
Can I use regular canned tomatoes instead of San Marzano?
San Marzano tomatoes give an unbeatable sweetness and richness, but you can absolutely use other good-quality canned tomatoes in this Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe. Try to pick whole plum tomatoes for the best texture, and crush them by hand for a rustic sauce.
Do I need a pizza stone to make this pizza?
A pizza stone helps mimic that professional pizzeria crust by retaining and distributing heat evenly. However, if you don’t have one, simply use an inverted baking sheet—your Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe will still turn out beautifully crisp.
What’s the best way to make homemade pizza dough?
Homemade pizza dough really elevates the Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe. Use good bread flour or ’00’ flour, give the dough an overnight rise in the fridge for more flavor, and don’t rush the stretching—gentle handling is key for a chewy, light crust.
Why is fresh mozzarella preferred over shredded mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella melts into gorgeous, creamy pools that are signature to a true Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe, while pre-shredded versions tend to dry out and lack that luxurious texture. It’s well worth picking up the fresh kind from your grocery’s cheese counter!
When should I add the basil leaves?
Basil is most fragrant and flavorful when added right after baking, while the pizza is still piping hot. Adding it before baking can make it wilt and lose its punch, so save those beautiful leaves as the final flourish for your Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe for yourself—the results are restaurant-worthy, yet totally doable in your own kitchen. One bite, and you’ll see how a handful of stellar ingredients become so much more than the sum of their parts. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new favorite way to do pizza night at home!
Print
Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This authentic Margherita pizza recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian flavors with its simple yet delicious combination of fresh ingredients. With a crispy crust, tangy San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this pizza is a classic favorite for any pizza lover.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 ball (about 12 oz) pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Toppings:
- 6–8 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced or torn)
- Fresh basil leaves
- All-purpose flour or cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F or as high as it will go, and place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 10–12 inch round. Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir the crushed tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and oregano if using. Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Toppings: Top with slices of fresh mozzarella, spacing them out for even melting.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot stone or pan and bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For the most authentic result, use high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella di bufala.
- If using a pizza oven, cook at 700–900°F for 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pizza
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
